Courtney had over 100 Bladder Stones - Dr. Kwane The Street Vet

This is Mr. Richard Lyons and Courtney. He's a vet, too. A Vietnam vet - proudly served our country and saw combat. He's not a man of means but he's also one of the best pet owners I've met. His two companions, Courtney and Papi are his life. They are emotional support for his war-time PTSD. His only source of income is his disability. Yet when I've made recommendations for their care (sometimes expensive procedures like a dentistry) he nods and says "Whatever its takes, Doc. These are my babies and my responsibility."
He came to me because he noticed Courtney urinating more often than normal and her urine was brown-tinged. During the exam I felt an unusual "crunching / grinding" in her abdomen. I knew immediately what is was. I radiographed her abdomen and over 100 bladder stones lit up (that oval shaped structure filled with circular "rocks" are varying sizes of bladder stones). I haven't seen a case like this in over 10 years.
Surprisingly, she was showing no other symptoms. Feeling okay, eating well and active - so it can be easily overlooked. But the only treatment and cure is surgery. Without it, she will eventually begin a painful, slow and steady decline.
When I explained what we were up against & the cost (approx. $3-4,000 with surgery and aftercare), he paused, looked up to the sky and again said "Okay whatever it takes", but then he added the best thing I've heard, "My lifestyle will have to change a little...but that's why they invented oatmeal." He means it. He'd probably starve himself before he'd see his pets go without care. This is one of those special people that reminds you what real pet ownership and sacrifice means. Richard is a prideful man & didn't ask for any help, which only made me want to help more (I was careful to respectfully ask & he accepted). Also worth adding, Courtney is no ordinary dog. He adopted her from the shelter after she had been adopted twice before and returned twice. She was slated for euthanasia when he saw her sitting there. That's a good man!

[@TheStreetVet]

The reaction @ 1:16 is epic!

[@cocolime6496]

his shock 😄 so glad everything worked out!

[@geraldlair2888]

Thank you for all that you do. I love animals way more then people. They are way more loyal once they become a companion, and then you never have to worry about them stabbing you in the back.

[@robbie2759]

This is so wonderful but I have one question why didn't the doctor just write of the surgery???

[@SheilaR.08]

It's a nonprofit, not a typical vet clinic. There is no margin to do that. The cost of the anesthesia, medication, equipment, etc, especially high for such a long and complex procedure, must come from somewhere. He donated his time and expertise for those he cares for, and raises funds to cover the rest.